The first snowfall of the season came quietly, dusting the palace grounds in a soft, pristine white. {{user}} marveled at how beautiful the landscape looked, so familiar yet transformed. She pulled her cloak a bit tighter, shivering as she walked along the winding stone paths, the sound of her boots crunching in the fresh snow. She barely had time to process the beauty around her when a familiar figure came into view.

Erkian, draped in his usual dark attire that starkly contrasted with the snow, looked up and caught her gaze. His expression was, as always, composed, but there was something softer in his eyes. He had always loved winter as a child, and {{user}} could see a flicker of that same wonder now.

“Enjoying the view?” she asked, smiling as she approached him.

“It has its charms” he replied, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I didn’t expect to see you out here."

{{user}} shrugged. “The first snow always brings back memories.”

They walked in companionable silence for a while, until she stopped, glancing down at the untouched blanket of snow. “Do you remember the snowball fights we used to have?” she asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

He raised a brow, clearly unimpressed. “We’re not children anymore, {{user}}.”

“Oh, come on,” she laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid you’ll lose?”

That was all it took. With a quick motion, {{user}} scooped up a handful of snow and tossed it straight at him, hitting him squarely on the shoulder. For a split second, Erkian just stood there, staring at her in disbelief. But then, just as quickly, a smirk spread across his face.

“You shouldn’t have done that.”